WILDLIFE HUNTING TOURISM MARKET ANALYSIS

Wildlife Hunting Tourism MarketSize and Trends

The global wildlife hunting tourism market was valued at US$ 369.6 Mn in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1,775.7 Mn by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.7% during the forecast period. Wildlife hunting tourism has been one of the most controversial topics across the globe, owing to rising wildlife conservation and environmental strategies. Currently, hunting tourism is considered one of the complimentary activities for nature tourism companies. Hunting is considered a sport or leisure activity in most of the European countries in the Nordic region.

Market Trends

Sustainable use of nature is an effective way to protect and manage of natural resources and biological diversity

• Sustainable use of nature is an effective way to protect and manage of natural resources and biological diversity. According to several academics, Sustainable wildlife tourism can provide socioeconomic and environmental benefits, such as satisfying tourists and creating jobs for locals. Sustainable wildlife hunting tourism is a way to maintain and promote biodiversity. Sustainable hunting can lead to the preservation of wild animals, even endangered or threatened species. WWF South Africa (World Wide Fund for Nature) considers hunting a legitimate conservation management tool and incentive for conservation and regularly engages with major game hunting associations to promote ethical hunting and combat inhumane practices. In South Africa, sustainable hunting has been vital in promoting the recovery of bontebok, black wildebeest, cape mountain zebra, and white rhino by encouraging reintroductions onto game ranches.

Figure 2. Global Wildlife Hunting Tourism Market Revenue Share (%), By Type, 2022

• The big game trophy segment held a dominant position in the global wildlife hunting tourism market in 2022, accounting for 58% market share in terms of revenue. The big game trophy has been noted to be one of the costliest game trophies in the global wildlife hunting tourism market. It generally involves game ranching, big game, safari, and indigenous hunting. Wildlife safari hunting has been known to hold a significant share in the big trophy segment and has been estimated to rise in the coming years. For instance, in May 2021, the South African government announced it would to ban captive lion breeding. The government further announced that it would end the commercial sale of all lion derivatives that include hunting trophies.